RAAF Base Edinburgh PFAS Investigation

Summary of the Investigation

In November 2016, Defence commenced a detailed environmental investigation to identify the nature and extent of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on, and in the vicinity of, RAAF Base Edinburgh.

The objective of this environmental investigation is to identify the nature and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of legacy fire-fighting foam at the Base.

There are three main stages to the investigation:

Preliminary Site Investigation
The first stage of the investigation, the Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), has been completed with outcomes provided to the local community in March 2017.

Detailed Site Investigation
The second stage of the investigation, the Detailed Site Investigation (DSI), commenced in April 2017.
Once the DSI is complete, a detailed report including the sampling results will be prepared and provided to relevant government agencies, regulatory bodies and the local community.

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment
Based on the investigation findings to date, Defence has commenced the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) process. The HHERA will evaluate potential PFAS exposure risks to the human population and ecology.

The HHERA will continue throughout 2018. Once complete, the findings of the HHERA will be shared with relevant government agencies and the community.

The findings from the investigations will be used to identify and prioritise site specific management actions to address PFAS contamination.

Defence is committed to regularly updating the community throughout the investigation. As well as community information sessions, updates are provided through the project website, direct mail and information sheets as new information becomes available.